The winds of change are blowing through Saudi Arabia, not just in the realm of men’s football but, remarkably, in women’s football as well. While icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema have catapulted men’s football in the country to new heights, women’s football has taken a giant leap forward from almost scratch.
Just five years ago, the organized women’s football scene in Saudi Arabia was virtually non-existent. However, the landscape has transformed dramatically since the inception of a league aimed at boosting female participation in a country where women’s rights have been restricted for too long.
In a groundbreaking move, the Saudi Arabia women’s national team entered the FIFA women’s world ranking for the first time in March this year, a testament to their rapid progress. They are now setting their sights on qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while Saudi Arabia is bidding to host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup. And to kickstart this exciting journey, the new season of the Saudi Women’s Premier League has just begun.
The progress is undeniable, but there are concerns. Activists argue that there’s much work left to be done in terms of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia despite the recent reforms. Some human rights groups accuse the Saudi government of using sports, including women’s football, to divert attention from long-standing reputation issues, a practice known as ‘sportswashing.’
Nonetheless, those involved in the growth of women’s football in the country are enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead. Layan Jouhari, who plays for Jeddah club Al-Ittihad and the national team, is thrilled at the prospect of representing her country at the World Cup, saying, “If we do end up qualifying, then it would be crazy, a dream.”
The journey hasn’t been easy. Women were only allowed in stadiums in 2018, and the Saudi Arabia Football Federation established a women’s department in 2019. Monika Staab, who has over 50 years of experience in women’s football and is now the technical director of the women’s game at SAFF, highlights the unprecedented support the women’s game has received in Saudi Arabia.
The emergence of the Saudi Women’s Premier League, featuring teams from successful men’s clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad, is laying a solid foundation for women’s football. Although it’s a mix of full-time and part-time players, they are dedicated, training five to six times a week.
The league’s profile is expected to rise with live national television broadcasts this season, potentially drawing larger crowds to the stadiums. International talents like Ashleigh Plumptre and Oriana Altuve joining Saudi clubs further signify the league’s growing appeal.
The development of women’s football in Saudi Arabia is intricately tied to Vision 2030, the country’s plan to diversify its traditionally oil-dependent economy. Women’s participation in the workforce has surged since 2018, and this societal shift is a significant driving force behind women’s football gaining momentum.
Despite these positive changes, there are still concerns about human rights and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, and there’s a call for further reforms. Saudi Arabia has made progress but still has a long way to go, much like its women’s football team ranked 172nd in the world.
However, the journey from zero to 90 is well underway, and as Layan Jouhari emphasizes, “There is still so much that we can do, [but] we are going step by step.” Saudi Arabia’s emergence on the women’s football scene is an inspiring tale of progress and potential, and it’s a journey that has only just begun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s Football Revolution
Q: What sparked the growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia?
A: The growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia was sparked by the establishment of a women’s football league, which aimed to boost female participation in a country where women’s rights were previously restricted.
Q: What are the recent achievements of the Saudi women’s national team?
A: The Saudi women’s national team made history by entering FIFA’s women’s world ranking for the first time. They are now eyeing qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and are bidding to host the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup.
Q: What challenges does women’s football in Saudi Arabia face?
A: Despite the progress, there are concerns about human rights and women’s rights in Saudi Arabia. Some critics argue that the Saudi government is using sports, including women’s football, as a means of diverting attention from reputation issues, a practice known as ‘sportswashing.’
Q: How has the Saudi Women’s Premier League contributed to the development of women’s football?
A: The Saudi Women’s Premier League, featuring teams from prominent men’s clubs, has provided a solid foundation for women’s football in the country. It offers a platform for women to play, and with live national television broadcasts, it aims to raise the league’s profile.
Q: What societal changes are influencing the growth of women’s football in Saudi Arabia?
A: The growth of women’s football is connected to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s plan to diversify its traditionally oil-dependent economy. This has led to increased participation of women in the workforce and greater societal acceptance of women’s involvement in various fields, including sports.
More about Women’s Football Revolution
- Saudi Arabia’s women’s national football team
- Saudi Women’s Premier League
- Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
- Concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights
- Criticism of ‘sportswashing’
2 comments
saudi women’s world rankin’ sounds epic. but sum serious issues still need fixin’, hope they score big there too.
wow, saudi arabia’s ladies footy scene’s really takin’ off! great read, keep the goals rollin’!